The Complete Guide to Majorcan Bulldog

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Visitors in the Courtyard of Castell de Bellver in Palma Spain
Credit: pexels.com, Visitors in the Courtyard of Castell de Bellver in Palma Spain

The Majorcan Bulldog is a unique and fascinating breed that originated in the island of Mallorca, Spain. This ancient breed has been around for centuries and is known for its distinctive physical characteristics.

The Majorcan Bulldog is a sturdy and compact dog with a short, easy-to-maintain coat that requires minimal grooming. They typically weigh between 12-20 kg and stand between 40-50 cm tall at the shoulder.

Their broad, flat head and short snout make them easily recognizable, and their calm and gentle nature has earned them a special place in the hearts of many dog owners.

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Origin and History

The Ca de Bou has a history that's both gloomy and sad, mainly bred as an attack dog to bite a bull and bring it down. This practice was often performed in front of numerous spectators.

The breed was also involved in cruel dog fights, which contributed to its aggressive and dark reputation. This history still affects the breed today, with many people viewing it unfavorably.

After the ban on bull-baiting and dog fighting, the Ca de Bou's population declined sharply. However, the breed was later recognized by the FCI, and dedicated breeders worked to save it from extinction.

Consider reading: Old American Bull Dog

What Is a Bou?

A French Bulldog Playing with a Toy on a Beach
Credit: pexels.com, A French Bulldog Playing with a Toy on a Beach

The Ca de Bou is a breed with a rich history and multiple names, including the 'Perro de presa mallorquín' or Mallorquine Bulldog in English.

They were originally bred for a specific function, which is reflected in their name.

The breed is also known as the Majorcan Bulldog or Majorcan Mastiff, highlighting their origins.

Their loving spirit and playful nature make them a joy to be around, but they do require experienced owners with active lifestyles.

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Bou History

The Ca de Bou has a complex and often dark history. Originally bred for dog fighting and bull-baiting, this breed was a highly prized working dog on the island of Majorca by the 16th century.

The breed's history is marked by its association with blood sports, which were once popular on Majorca. British soldiers preferred the breed due to their impressive strength and courage.

In the 20th century, the outlawing of bull-baiting and dog fighting led to a decline in interest in the Ca de Bou, and the breed almost became extinct. Breeders lost interest in the Ca de Bou after these activities were outlawed.

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French Bulldog Playing with Ball in Autumn Leaves
Credit: pexels.com, French Bulldog Playing with Ball in Autumn Leaves

However, bulldog enthusiasts brought the breed back from the brink of extinction. The breed was later recognized as a dog breed by the FCI, and serious breeders have been working to preserve the breed ever since.

The Ca de Bou's history is still marred by its association with cruel activities. The breed still has to contend with slander and a bad reputation today due to its dark history.

Here's an interesting read: English Bulldog Breed History

Grooming and Health

Grooming a Majorcan Bulldog is relatively easy, as they have a short coat that's rough to the touch. Regular brushing is required to keep them looking good.

Ca de Bou coat colors include brindle, fawn, and black.

To maintain their hygiene, trim their nails if they don't wear them out naturally, and regularly check their ears for any signs of infection.

Their basic care is straightforward, but two conditions are known to occur with greater frequency: hip dysplasia and bloat.

Grooming

Grooming is an essential part of caring for your Ca de Bou. Regular brushing is required to keep their coat looking good, as it's rough to the touch.

Credit: youtube.com, Personal Health Hygiene and Grooming

Their coat colors are quite varied, with brindle, fawn, and black being the most common. Here are their possible coat colors:

  • Brindle
  • Fawn
  • Black

Trimming their nails is a good idea, unless they wear them out naturally. Regular ear checks are also important to catch any signs of infection, such as bad odor or redness. Bathing them a few times a year is usually sufficient.

Dogs' Health

Ca de Bou dogs are known to live up to 12 years with proper care, without many health issues.

Their lifespan is impressive, considering their larger size.

Two health conditions are more common in this breed: Hip Dysplasia and Bloat.

These conditions require attention, so it's essential to monitor your Ca de Bou's health.

A good brush once a week is enough to maintain their coat.

Brushing their teeth should be done regularly as part of their grooming routine.

On a similar theme: English Bulldog Health Issues

Socialization and Behavior

Socialization is crucial for a Majorcan Bulldog's behavior, and it starts as soon as you bring your puppy home.

Close-up of a French Bulldog Being Washed in a Kitchen Sink
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a French Bulldog Being Washed in a Kitchen Sink

Proper socialization will help your dog learn to trust strangers and other dogs, and adapt to any environment with plenty of physical and mental activity.

You can expect your dog to not be friendly with everybody, but with correct socialization, they can learn to behave accordingly.

Exposing your puppy to many different situations, people, dogs, and sounds will help them understand they don't need to be scared of strangers and other dogs.

Socialization

Socialization is crucial for Ca de Bou puppies to learn how to behave in different situations. This process should start as soon as you bring your puppy home.

Proper socialization will help your dog learn to trust strangers and other dogs. It's essential to expose your Ca de Bou puppy to various situations, people, and dogs.

With correct socialization, your dog can adapt to any environment. This is achieved through a combination of physical and mental activity.

Ca de Bou is not always a great fit for living with other dogs. They may not get along with every other dog, but proper socialization can help.

Socialization will also help your dog understand that they don't need to be scared of other dogs. This will make them more confident and calm in new situations.

Perro Presa Mallorquin

Credit: youtube.com, Presa Learning To Talk To Owner..

The Perro Presa Mallorquin, also known as the Ca de Bou, is a rare breed that originated in Spain. They have a rich history, having been bred for dog fighting and bull-baiting in the 16th century.

This breed is highly valued for its strength and courage, which was preferred by British soldiers who conquered the island of Majorca in 1708. They're not well known, but they're one of the best choices in Spain for police and active owners as sidekicks.

Their temperament is brave, courageous, loyal, quiet, and self-assured, making them a great watchdog. However, they're not ideal for families with small children, as they can be a bit too energetic and strong-willed for young kids.

They require daily, brisk, long walks or jogs, and must be trained to heel beside or behind their owner. With proper training and socialization, they can thrive in a variety of living situations, including apartments, but they do require regular exercise.

Credit: youtube.com, GET TO KNOW THE PRESA CANERIO: AN IMPOSING BEAST

Here's a breakdown of their exercise needs:

Their grooming needs are relatively low maintenance, requiring infrequent grooming to maintain their upkeep. They shed minimally, making them a great choice for people with mild allergies. However, they do require regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their health, as they can be prone to certain health issues.

For more insights, see: Grooming an English Bulldog

Puppy Costs

The average cost of a Majorcan Bulldog puppy is around €1,500 to €3,000.

This price range includes the cost of breeding, raising, and socializing the puppy.

You can expect to pay around €50 to €100 per month for food, which can cost around €60 to €80 per month for a mature dog.

Veterinary care can cost anywhere from €500 to €1,000 per year.

Spaying or neutering your Majorcan Bulldog can cost between €200 to €500.

Microchipping your dog can cost around €50 to €100.

Remember to also budget for supplies like a crate, bed, and toys, which can cost around €100 to €200.

It's also a good idea to factor in the cost of potential health issues, such as hip dysplasia, which can cost anywhere from €500 to €1,000 per year.

Breed Characteristics

Credit: youtube.com, Ca de Bou Breed Profile History - Price - Traits - Majorcan Bulldog Grooming Needs - Lifespan

The Majorcan Bulldog is a rare and ancient breed with a unique appearance. They have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors including fawn, brindle, and red.

Their sturdy build and compact size make them a great companion for apartment living. They typically weigh between 40-60 pounds.

Majorcan Bulldogs are known for their calm and gentle nature, which makes them a great choice for families with children. They are not generally aggressive and are quick to form close bonds with their owners.

Their short coat requires minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance pet. This breed is generally easy to care for, as long as they receive regular exercise and attention.

If this caught your attention, see: Short Bulldog Breeds

Violeta Baciu

Junior Writer

Violeta Baciu is a wordsmith with a passion for storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a vibrant imagination, she weaves intricate tales that transport readers to new worlds. As a writer, Violeta has honed her craft through years of dedication and practice.

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